Topic: Best setup for lower bass

[wrangler_n_space]

I ran my akg c1000s for the first time the other night and they are bassy as hell (ortf,fob,dfc). I expected it a little with the akgs. Is the a certain configuration that helps to minimize the bass pickup?

[Jason B]

I think XY with those mics would roll the bass off pretty well.

-JB

[F.O.Bean]

or use the hyper setting on those mics...

bean

[tim in jersey]

First off I wanna say one of the things I absolutely love about AKG products is their ability to capture low-end. However I will admit that at times it can be a bit too much...

I run AKG 480's and Schoeps (CMC6>4's/41s), depending on the room and a number of other variables. Each mic has it's place. I *love* the AKG cards XY when I'm *way* FOB, like 10th row or closer. Schoeps sound way too thin and nasally when run XY, and XY is the only way to go when that close to the sound source, IMHO.

I run the Schoeps hypers DIN from the OTS at big arenas and the Schoeps cards at good to great sounding indoor venues when fairly close to the sound source. Schoeps/AKG cards outdoors depending on distance and upon band.


Anyhow, running XY will roll off some bass response as will running the hyper pattern. Experience is the best teacher. After a while you will get a feel for what mic config to run (XY, DIN, ORTF etc.) as well as which polar pattern (card, hyper) to run in any particular situation.

It truly is as much an artform as it is a science.

Some general rules concerning polar pattern:
the closer to the sound source you are, the larger the pickup pattern should be. (cards, subcards, omnis)

The further the sound source, the tighter the pattern. (shotguns, hypers, cards)

Some general rules concerning mic configs:

The closer the to the sound source the smaller the distance between mic capsules should be (XY, DIN, ORTF, NOS)

The further the sound source, the greater the distance between caps (NOS, ORTF, DIN, XY)

I might also suggest you look into picking up "Stereo Microphone Techniques" by Bruce Bartlett. A wealth of info concerning mic set up, mic patterns etc. Truly illuminating! Have fun and trust your ears!

[ducati]

If you're ordering mic configs from closest spacing to most spaced, it should read: XY, ORTF, DIN, NOS

ORTF is 110 degrees, 17 cm spacing.
DIN is 90 degrees, 20 cm spacing.

In general, I agree with your methodology.  I don't like XY, however, unless you're close mic'ing an instrument.  Even if I'm on stage, I would run DIN or ORTF; XY just doesn't pick up the spacial clues that the near coincident techniques do.

I would go with Bean's advice, wrangler; switch to hyper in bassy venues, and perhaps run DIN or bean's modified ORTF  

[F.O.Bean]

If you're ordering mic configs from closest spacing to most spaced, it should read: XY, ORTF, DIN, NOS

ORTF is 110 degrees, 17 cm spacing.
DIN is 90 degrees, 20 cm spacing.

In general, I agree with your methodology.  I don't like XY, however, unless you're close mic'ing an instrument.  Even if I'm on stage, I would run DIN or ORTF; XY just doesn't pick up the spacial clues that the near coincident techniques do.

I would go with Bean's advice, wrangler; switch to hyper in bassy venues, and perhaps run DIN or bean's modified ORTF  

this man knows what hes talkin about....

bean

[tim in jersey]

Agreed, however I like to get the caps a little closer when running hypers DIN. 14-17 cm depending on the situation...

DIN is 90 degrees, 20 cm spacing.

[F.O.Bean]

Agreed, however I like to get the caps a little closer when running hypers DIN. 14-17 cm depending on the situation...

DIN is 90 degrees, 20 cm spacing.

i agree, alter spacing on hypers, or angle...depending...

bean

[BCostigan]

I ran my akg c1000s for the first time the other night and they are bassy as hell (ortf,fob,dfc).

I never thought I'd read that!

I owned a pair of these and thought they were a very bright sounding mic??

[creekfreak]

sometimes what sound you get can be very dependent on the room mix. If the bass is jacked on the PA you will get a boomier recording no matter what mics you use

[F.O.Bean]

sometimes what sound you get can be very dependent on the room mix. If the bass is jacked on the PA you will get a boomier recording no matter what mics you use

VERY, VERY true... some things ya just cant change live...thats why we have high-pass filters on the nicer software programs...

bean